List of Anglo-Welsh Wars - Twelfth Century

Twelfth Century

Civil wars in England allow the Welsh kingdoms space to consolidate their positions. The end of the century sees a resurgent Gwynedd expand at the expense of her neighbours.

• 1116 The Welsh of Deheubarth revolt against their Norman overlords.

• 1134 Welsh raids into Shropshire destroying Caus Castle.

• 1136 Welsh Revolt against the Normans driving them from all Wales except the Lordship of Carmarthen.

• 1137 An army from Gwynedd captures Carmarthen from the Normans.

• 1144 The Marcher lord Hugh de Mortimer re-takes Maelienydd.

• 1145 Gilbert de Clare rebuilds Carmarthen Castle.

• 1149 Madog ap Maredudd advances into Shropshire and annexes Oswestry to the kingdom of Powys; it remains in his possession until 1157.

• 1157 Henry II leads a massive invasion of the Perfeddwlad to drive Owain ap Gruffudd, the insurgent king of Gwynedd, away from the border of Cheshire. Following a failed landing on Anglesey, Henry II and Owain come to terms with Owain agreeing to withdraw to the west bank of the River Clwyd.

• 1159 Rhys ap Gruffudd of Deheubarth attacks Anglo-Norman castles and settlements in south Wales, capturing Llandovery in 1162.

• 1163 Henry II launches a military campaign in south Wales invading Deheubarth. He captures Rhys ap Gruffudd at Pencader and takes him to England. Rhys is restored to his lands in 1164 after he agrees to make homage to Henry.

• 1165 Rhys ap Gruffudd leads attacks on Anglo-Norman strongholds in south and west Wales. Gwynedd, Powys, Deheubarth and the smaller realms form an alliance against England. Henry II declares war and leads an invasion force from Shrewsbury through Powys and into Gwynedd. Henry is forced to withdraw after adverse weather conditions.

• 1166 Rhys ap Gruffudd captures Cardigan Castle from the English crown.

• 1167 Owain ap Gruffudd captures Rhuddlan Castle and Basingwerk advancing as far east as the River Dee.

• 1185 Welsh raiders sack Cardiff.

• 1196 Full scale war breaks out again. Hubert Walter invades Powys from Shrewsbury and places Welshpool under siege.

• 1198 Battle of Painscastle where a Welsh army is destroyed by the English.